Author Question: A toddler is ready to be discharged home after outpatient surgery. When conducting a home safety ... (Read 54 times)

mp14 · **on:** Jul 22, 2018

A toddler is ready to be discharged home after outpatient surgery.

When conducting a home safety assessment the child's guardian states, I keep the cleaning supplies under the sink for easy access, and how soon can the child resume swimming in the local pond? Based on this statement, what is the most important safety issue for the nurse to identify? a. Standing water in the neighborhood
b. Reasons for outbursts in behavior
c. Storage of cleaning supplies in the house
d. Child's use of safety equipment when riding or skating

Question 2

A confused patient was found wandering in the hallways several times during the shift. What is the most appropriate nursing intervention to prevent a fall by this patient?

a. Reassigning the patient to a room closer to the nursing station
b. Using an electronic monitor that sounds an alarm when the patient reaches a near-vertical position
c. Raising two or four side rails
d. Placing wrist restraint on the patient during the nighttime hours of sleep

InfiniteSteez · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 22, 2018

Answer to Question 1

C
Growing, curious children need adults to protect them from injury. Educate young parents or guardians about reducing risks of injuries to children, and teach ways to promote safety in the home. An example is preventing access to poisonous substances like cleaning supplies. Standing water, reasons for outbursts, and use of safety equipment are not issues based upon the guardian's response, which focuses on cleaning supplies and swimming.

Answer to Question 2

B
Alarm devices warn nursing staff that a patient is attempting to leave a bed or chair unassisted. There are a variety of types, including a device with a knee band that sounds an alarm when the patient reaches a near-vertical position. An infrared type of alarm is affixed to a headboard or bed frame, allowing a patient to move freely within a bed. If a patient tries to leave the bed, the infrared beam detects motion and sends out an alarm tone. Moving the patient to a room closer to the nursing station does not solve the problem. Raising side rails has the potential to trap parts of the patient's body, producing a hazard. The use of side rails alone for a disoriented patient often causes more confusion and further injury. Restraints are not a solution to a patient problem, but a temporary means to patient safety. Restraints are a last resort to prevent injury.